Factional PDP Chairman Turaki Remanded In Kuje Prison
Following his arraignment yesterday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, senior lawyer and politician Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN) has been remanded to the Kuje Correctional Facility after he was unable to perfect the bail conditions set by the court.
Highlighting Turaki’s profile, his defence counsel noted his decades-long legal career and public service.
“My Lord, this defendant is also the authentic leader of the PDP. He is an elder statesman, a former Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and a respected community leader with various chieftaincy titles,” Ibrahim said, while asking that bail be granted on self-recognition.
Mr. Turaki was arraigned on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, on a one-count charge of providing false information to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), contrary to Section 140 of the Penal Code.
The charge stems from an October 5, 2022, petition he allegedly submitted against one Saidi Mohammed Mainasara, which the prosecution claims was false and intended to mislead police authorities.
Mr. Turaki entered a plea of not guilty.
The court had previously issued a bench warrant on March 26, 2026, due to Mr. Turaki’s repeated failure to appear.
However, following his voluntary appearance on April 1, the presiding judge, Justice Peter Kekemeke, formally vacated the warrant prior to the arraignment.
Justice Kekemeke granted bail in the sum of ₦100 million with one surety in like amount. The surety must be a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) with at least 20 years of practice or a legal practitioner with over 40 years of experience.
The judge noted that the prosecution failed to provide compelling reasons to deny bail and that Mr. Turaki was not considered a flight risk.
Despite bail being granted, Mr. Turaki was unable to immediately perfect the conditions – meaning he could not produce the required surety and documentation.
Consequently, court officials ordered that he be taken into custody at the Kuje Correctional Facility, where he will remain until his bail conditions are fully met.
The case has been adjourned to June 11, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
